The CJ's ride is only bad because the leaf springs are rusted together after all the decades, and the shocks are clearly bad. New springs and shocks ride pretty good. It is totally wrong to say you can't have a good ride with leaf springs.
YJ size spring swap also improves ride. If he had the shorter 2 door. I may believe the comparison more. The Buick V6 engine in the late 60s has great torque.
ride is always terrible with leafs compared to coils. they changed for a reason! although if you have a vehicle that needs new leaf springs, going for parabolic springs apparently helps. its a common mod to improve the ride on Series Land Rovers in the UK (pre defender) which were on leaf springs. the difference in ride between a series 3 on leafs and the early 90s/110s (later named defender when the discovery was close to production) really is night and day
Having owned a "73 CJ-5, a '94 YJ, and now a built '76 CJ-7, AMC 360 V8 with lockers front and rear, twin-stick transfer case, and T-18 four-speed tranny with an 8" lift on 35's and one piece chromoly axles with dual Flowmasters out the rear. Armored all the way around, with steel tube fenders and sliders, and a 6-point Poison Spyder cage. I wouldn't trade it for a new Jeep, I have way too much fun in it.
But does that really balance out the fact that it’s literally a death trap, that it’s very punishing to ride in anywhere, can’t do highway speeds, and has little to no storage to speak of?
@@mizinoinovermyhead.7523 Your probably right as a daily driver - but as a classic for special occaisions - I would very much like to own a cj5 or similar
@@stunimbus1543 I’ve driven a lot of classics, most of them are nicer to look at than actually drive. They can be nice weekend cars but I wouldn’t take that CJ anywhere near a trail, it’s punishing when it’s on its wheels, it’s very tippy, and if it rolls over that little bar behind his head isn’t going to save his life at all. Even the death trap that is the new jeep is safer than the CJ. Hell the CJ is one of the reasons the Highway safety board tests roll overs. More soldiers were killed rolling them over than by bullets being fired at them while driving.
I pretty much could fix/repair most things in my old CJ with the 16-tool bag that I kept under the seat. Ditto for a 1968 Land Rover Defender (that one had a 13-tool bag). Nowdays? Yeah, sure. I need a diagnostic computer with a program and a degree in Electronics Technology, and that is after I spend 20 minutes unscrewing engine plastic covers.
you a time traveller? there werent any Defenders in 1968. it would probably be a series 2 (possibly an early series 2a) which would be on leaf springs. the defender name didnt exist until around 1988 (although the model launched in 1984 or thereabouts) when the soon to be launched discovery came into being. they needed a wayu to distinguish the 'defender' from the Discovery, instead of calling them (at the time) 90 and 110. when the 90/110s came out (the first 'defender after the series 3) they changed from leaf springs to coil springs
I agree to an extent. What I hate about modern cars is that it's becoming harder and harder for a shade tree mechanic to work on them himself. Lots of proprietary software and tools needed to do ever-more basic jobs. On the other hand, I like safety features on modern cars. I had 1970 Volkswagen and there's absolutely no way I'd allow my child in that death trap.
CJ is a Real Jeep, and just a better Jeep. Simple and reliable. It can be completely torn down in half a day. The V8 is not bad either. My 73 and 75 Levi's are both 304's. The ride can be softened. Plus, You'll pick up a better class of women in one too..😊
You can take a water hose to the entire interior of the CJ. If you did that to the Wrangler, it would cause 10k in damage and that's only if it didn't short out and catch fire.
I had a 1975 CJ-5 for 30 years and look at it's size! Also,, the systems are so simple. Take a tool box and jack and you can fix on the go. I'd love my old CJ-5 back, but I have no desire to have anything newer than a CJ-7.
People, like me in the 1970s, bought CJs for off road, farm and ranch use. People who buy Wranglers today buy them to appear to go off road, to the farm or to the ranch. 99% of them don't. 2 critical things missing in this evaluation. Here in British Columbia, width is important as our roads quickly grow in when unused. Our government also vandalises logging roads by having them cross ditched with anything from 2 feet to 6 foot ditches with berms under the cloak of "erosion control". The width and wheelbase of the new Wrangler is just too wide and too long to do any serious backcountry exploring here. Lifting them is needed, but it is usually done to impress 14 year olds in the Walmart parking lot. I'll take a CJ anytime over a new Wrangler. But I prefer my Suzuki over both.
I was watching this video and reading through comments on the TV app, but your comment was so phenomenally stupid that I searched on my phone just to put you on blast. Maybe take your boomer ass off-road sometime and see how many JKs are on the trail vs old fashioned Jeeps. You will find that most of us are actually out wheeling in our wranglers. Despite the haters, the JK and JL kick a boot in the ass of every leaf spring Jeep. 100% better no contest.
Some of these facts are def not correct or comparable..AMC offered a V8 for one. The wheelbase of the that CJ5 is about 2/3 the wheelbase of that 4, door which significantly changed the ride disregarding some worn leaf springs.
@@GaryRichards-cb1fc You shouldn't be a jerk if you don't know what you are talking about. The CJ-8 was built alongside the CJ-7 from 1981 to 1986. The CJ-7 was only introduced in 1976 . The Scrambler came along as the CJ-7 based replacement in the lineup for the outgoing CJ-6, which had continued up until 1981.
I started out with a 78 CJ5, eventually bought a 93 YJ, which I didn’t keep long & still own an 02 TJ. While I loved the old CJ, mostly because of the V8 engine, I absolutely love my TJ. The JK lost my interest pretty quickly for a myriad of reasons. One being that they offered a Wrangler in 2WD, that is sacrilegious at best. I admire the JL, it looks great & once again had a V8, but I have sticker shock every time I look at one. They have forgotten what gained Jeep its following. I’ll stick with the old TJ, it’s been a great vehicle & the 4.0 does exactly what it’s supposed to.
You're comparing a cj 5 two door with a 4 door. Do the test with two 2-door jeeps set up similar, both rag tops, etc. Also, that Wrangler sure bounced around side to side. Top that, the CJ 5 will go places that Wrangler can't, stock. Nothing wrong with Wranglers, but don't compare a car with a work horse.
Who could possibly think that an "old Jeep" and a 'New Jeep" are the same. The size, the shape, the interior plastics, the build companies, all vastly different. I daily drove CJs for 30 years and now DD either my CJ8 or my JKU. That 61 is not a good representation of how CJs are as a whole. There is a smaller difference between an 07 JKU and a 18 JKU and then is between that 61 CJ5 and say an 86 CJ-7 with hardtop and doors. A better "old vs new" comparison would be a 2 door JK to a late CJ-7. Show how both have 2 doors but 1 has power lock and windows, both have fold and tumble seats but one is bigger, both have room behind the seat but one is more, both have 6 cyl but one is injected, etc, etc, I can tell you that a late CJ with power steering is actually easier to drive. It requires LESS force to turn the wheel and press down the gas pedal. The JK does have better acceleration and braking. That would be a good comparison video.
Not a complaint, but comparing the CJ's short wheelbase versus the 4door's is not really valid. Off-road performance and ride quality are vastly different.
The spare tire would have been mounted on the right 1/4 panel originally. The rear carrier was added by someone later. I own a 66 cj5 with a dauntless V6. That V6 changes it quite a bit. It has highway capability (if you have the balls) and way more power than it needs.
@@mblake0420 I think you misunderstood Cody -- he said the Pentastar 3.6l was an upgrade from the prior 3.8l V-6 engine, which was the 'minivan motor' and had reliability issues.
The beauty of the CJ-5 is in its vintage and no-nonsense workhorse simplicity. The new computer-managed concoction with all the electronic gadgetry has no place in a rugged off-road situation. And never mind the bills the "lucky" owner will have to pay in routine maintenance and even worse in repairs.
If I ran over a penny in my '75 CJ 5 I could tell you the date on that penny. It rode rough but was so much fun. I got t-boned on the driver's side when a Kenworth pulling twin belly dumps full of gravel ran a red light. Tough little Jeep kept me mostly intact.
the real test is roadside fixes. if you have a problem on the side of the road and or get stuck how much easier is it gonna get going without having to have it towed away.
While you inspired me with your cheap Jeep challenge a few years ago to go out and purchase my first Jeep. Some of your new tests are just plain off base, if you are going to test that older Jeep against something newer, at least make it somewhat similar in amenities.
Also good luck trying to put that 4 door on a narrow tight curvy trail . It would get destroyed by the cj in that situation. Yes they are old and rough but very easy to repair and aftermarket support means you can build a cj that would destroy that 4door for a fraction of the money. They both have their place but never bash the old girl ! With out it we wouldn't have these amazing vehicles.
Sadly, it looks like they are trying to get rid of the 2 door. So few options and trims, not even the Rubicon upgrade. Some of the differnces in this vid is that the new one has lockers, and the CJ has open diffs.
I wouldn't trade my CJ7 for my wife's Wrangler Unlimited....ever. Her Jeep sees the beach, I wouldn't do any tough off roading with it. My CJ goes everywhere without complaint.
I'm on my 5th CJ5..had some newer ones.. ain't the same..built wild to mild..440,401,360,302, settled for the 360. That AMC motor is good enough for dang near any off roads y'all gonna do. The number 5 is completely stock 4 banger, only gonna upgrade the axles and a lift kit. Not going anywhere fast just gettin thru.😊
I had a 72 with the 304, sold it and later got a 67 with the 225 Dauntless with a warn overdrive and 4:88s . The 67 was a awesome machine. Got the gladiator with eco diesel now. The 67 was the most fun ever.
How about the JL? I love my Sarge Green, 4 Door, 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 2.0L, 8-speed automatic. It will tow my Toy Hauler or Bass Boat up a hill with ease. Mine has hand crank windows & a 6-way manual divers seat, I will never have to worry about a electric motor going out, the only thing I miss is power door locks.
Great video ! its interesting to say the least as a non Jeep owner I should probably keep my mouth shut....I won't lol , but everyone forgets the intention of jeep, in regards to the build of the early models compared to today's Jeep's remember this was not your main mode of transport, this was your second or even third car behind the coupe or sports car, this was a work /chores vehicle a second/third car to have fun in or do manual labor and get around the property this wasn't the sit in traffic and commute everyday to the city, it was built be easy to fix and not a whole lot to go wrong or break on you when in use.
I'm from India and own a CJ 5 M38A1 circa 1963. Unfortunately, due to the lack of spares, I had to replace the engine and gearbox (Mahindra Turbo DI engine and NGT 4x4, 5 speed). But the body, from grill to tailgate, is still original and rock solid.
I have a 74 CJ 5 with a 4" Rubicon Express lift system, E lockered D 44 rear and E lockered D 44 front ( narrowed high pinion ford d 44 ) with 4.10s and 33" mud terrain tires. Built 401 amc V8 , T18 4 speed and Dana 20 T case. I've owned a built 89 wrangler and a nicely molded 2011 Rubicon. And hands down the 74 CJ5 is the best off road. Maybe it wouldn't have been if all were completely stock. But for the money invested the CJ 5 is easily most capable and by far cheapest to buy and upgrade . Plus the cool factor is also a plus . You don't see many classic built CJ5s today. And the built amc 401 is Fantastic as far as power and reliability.
I owned a 2009 wrangler Sahara and it was the biggest POS , broke all the time, spent so much money on that thing. Very glad I switched to Toyota and never looked back lol
As a Mechanic the new 3.6 keeps us in business lol. Good engine all you guys go buy one...I got tools to pay for and the front end is very reliable haha, please buy dodge, Ram,jeep products.
I think if this video has taught us anything it's that whenever jeep makes a change, people lose their minds. YJ: "square headlights? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" TJ: "coil springs? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" JK: "Four doors? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" 2019 JL: "Four cylinder turbo? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" 2024 JL: "power seats? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" 4XE: "A _hybrid?_ Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" Car guys hate progress.
Jeep brings out models other than Wranglers, and people lose their minds and say that those are not real Jeeps. As if the brand could survive selling just Wranglers... People are stupid, and the more stupid, the louder and more opinionated they are.
@@Offshore1977thanks for proving my point lol. "This highly customizable, body on frame, solid front and rear axle SUV has power seats now, it might as well be a crossover."
@@AndrewAMartinthat doesn't apply to just car people, either. 🤣 But yeah, ever since getting into car culture I've noticed how extremely conservative (not in a political sense) car guys can be. It seems like they hate _all_ change. Time marches on, new technologies are created, but if car guys had their way, we'd all be still driving cars designed and manufactured by technology created in the 60s lol.
I have one of each, a '08 JKUR in which I did a Hemi swap, and just got a '58 CJ5. That also has a 1962 Dodge 318 V8 (Poly 318, AKA semi-Hemi) swapped into it, but otherwise stock. I can drive the JK 400 miles to Moab while pulling a trailer, spend a few days wheeling and drive back. Can't even imagine trying that in the CJ5. CJ is just for putting around town. But both are fun and love them equally.
We have a 1962 CJ5. We bought it as a rolling chassis and had it rebuilt. My husband had it done as if it was 1962. :( I hate the drum brakes. I much prefer my 2015 JKU! But, the CJ is super cute! We just take it to Jeeps & Coffee events. Mine goes on the trail.
A coupe more things: There was a 3.8 Liter V-6 after the famous 4 Liter Inline 6 before the Pentastar was used in the new Jeeps. There also was a CJ-8 with a longer wheelbase. And you need to fine tune your driving skills for the old one. The Driver is in charge! No electronically regulated override like in the new vehicles!
Same here but my better half would disagree. We’re a Jeep family with a 05 LJ for her, 83 CJ-8 I drive, granddaughter’s just got her first car, a 92 XJ and we have a 51 CJ3-A being restored in the garage. Only non jeeps are a 96 Chevy 1500 for hauling and a 88 Land Rover 110 for camping here in the Black Hills.
You need to try out my favorite jeep. In 1988 I saw the most unique one I had ever seen. It had a v8 (which I learned later was a factory 304 A.M.C. motor.) And it was a 5 speed, 4 wheel drive. Later I learned it was a C.J.8 (A.K.A. jeep scrambler) It was an 1985, (in 1988) and the dealer wanted $5,000 for it. I was only 13, had job, nor any money. The .CJ.8's were only made from 1980 until Chrysler bought A.M.C. in 1987, and Chrysler ended the production in 1988. The last one rolled off the assembly line in January 1989. Now days you try to find one for sale, and a 4cylender on will cost you close to $18,000.
Many Imperials, Lincolns and Cadillacs had leafspring suspension in the rear, but they were vvvery comfortable! You would barely notice that log bridge in those cars. Of course, if you managed to drive through that bridge in them. So I think it’s not because of leaf springs vs coil springs, it’s how the leaf springs were designed on CJs and Wranglers.
so the CJ (like the original MB, like I learned to drive on) allows for 2wd Lo -- tighter turning radius on slick snow or mud, & can use on pavement, as when manuevering a trailer -- or learning to drive Stick Shift ! Same in my 1995 Land Rover Disco 1 -- Lo Range Open Center Diff until it slips & need to lock up I also not the new ones clearly have traction control going on
the folding windshield dates from Wartime use -- to prevent glinting sunlight revealing your location, windshields were folded & wrapped in canvas but after the Normandy invasion, the retreating Germans started stringing wire btwn trees, at throat-height --- so steel verticals were added to the front bumper ! ( my Dad's on Profile Pic, did not have to worry about trees and wires -- Ex-North Africa, it has a big 2nd fuel tank under the passenger seat, with toggle switch for the single gas gauge & twist knob on dash to switch tank you are drawing from )
Why not compare the CJ with a newer 2 door? It would have been a fairer comparison when talking about cargo space behind the tailgate. In all other aspects, I think your comparison is fair. I don't know. I think I prefer the CJ with some mods such as a disc brake conversion, updated suspension components and some engine tweaks to increase HP.
Seems like you need to compare a 1987 Wrangler with a 2024 2 door Wrangler and try to compare similar trims, like a base one to another base one or a high end one with a high end one or middle of the road. Make sure you compare the weight, safety, power and mileage as well.
That CJ appears to have aftermarket lift springs which are way too stiff for that vehicle. The factory springs in the Willys CJ’s were way softer and flexed a lot better.
Funny how the leaf springs hopped over the logs while the coils spun out. Yes, coils are smoother but the leaf spings "bounced" over the logs with ease. Fun fact! It's much cheaper and easier to replace leaf springs than all this coil over junk.
If I had choice of one or the other I'd pick the newer Jeep only because I could sell it and go buy 2 or 3 older Jeeps in excellent condition. Hands down !
The new one for the road is good but too darn wide for trail off-road & is too heavy. I think I would pick a toyota tacoma ove the new Jeep because what was nice about the cj's is they were small & 5ft. wide. The only thing that really fits like the cj's is the Roxor.
One time I was following an old VW on a narrow dangerous road in a CJ 5 & at times that narrow VW looked to be more stable than my Jeep because it was low & narrow. .'
@@bldontmatter5319 touche. As a teenager in 1975 my dad took me to test drive a Blazer, Jeep, and Land Cruiser. He eliminated the Jeep because with that 304 he said I’d kill myself😄. I wanted the Cruiser but they wouldn’t budge on price so I ordered fairly stripped down Blazer. It turned out to be total crap😄.
Great video! When you had those stiff springs and short wheelbase, you’d drive differently, more steering, maybe slower pace than you showed. They do beat you up though, that I remember, no matter what. The trenches would’ve been easier with a little more steering input rather than straight through. The logs would be less jarring at slower speed and maybe a slight angle. Again, you’d learn to approach rough patches differently to save your kidneys!
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
You convinced me.
New “Jeeps” are not nearly as good as the old ones.
Difference is, the old CJ still runs after 40+ years, but the newer one won’t last 15 without having to be rebuilt 🤣🤣🤣
Very well said. Jeep has been junk compared to the older ones ever since Chrysler took them over.
Exactly, all the electronics and complexity reduce reliability
Always assumed my 79 was rebuilt but the longer i own it, seems pretty orginal.. tanks
@@daryljacobson7462you must not have driven a TJ
@streetx1602 2006 is the last year of the TJ and 4.0L
The CJ's ride is only bad because the leaf springs are rusted together after all the decades, and the shocks are clearly bad. New springs and shocks ride pretty good. It is totally wrong to say you can't have a good ride with leaf springs.
YJ size spring swap also improves ride. If he had the shorter 2 door. I may believe the comparison more. The Buick V6 engine in the late 60s has great torque.
@30smsuperstrat the Dauntless V6? I think it was around 235 lb/ft if I remember right.
@@30smsuperstrat Yeah, the longer 2.5” wide springs ride quite better for sure. And is a pretty easy swap if you have basic welding skills.
ride is always terrible with leafs compared to coils. they changed for a reason! although if you have a vehicle that needs new leaf springs, going for parabolic springs apparently helps. its a common mod to improve the ride on Series Land Rovers in the UK (pre defender) which were on leaf springs. the difference in ride between a series 3 on leafs and the early 90s/110s (later named defender when the discovery was close to production) really is night and day
Air down, and quit flying over obstacles.
I’d rather have the CJ. Beautiful
Having owned a "73 CJ-5, a '94 YJ, and now a built '76 CJ-7, AMC 360 V8 with lockers front and rear, twin-stick transfer case, and T-18 four-speed tranny with an 8" lift on 35's and one piece chromoly axles with dual Flowmasters out the rear. Armored all the way around, with steel tube fenders and sliders, and a 6-point Poison Spyder cage. I wouldn't trade it for a new Jeep, I have way too much fun in it.
You pull up at places in the CJ5 and people are going to smile and be happy for you - thats the pleasure of owning a classic car.
But does that really balance out the fact that it’s literally a death trap, that it’s very punishing to ride in anywhere, can’t do highway speeds, and has little to no storage to speak of?
@@mizinoinovermyhead.7523 Your probably right as a daily driver - but as a classic for special occaisions - I would very much like to own a cj5 or similar
@@stunimbus1543 I’ve driven a lot of classics, most of them are nicer to look at than actually drive. They can be nice weekend cars but I wouldn’t take that CJ anywhere near a trail, it’s punishing when it’s on its wheels, it’s very tippy, and if it rolls over that little bar behind his head isn’t going to save his life at all. Even the death trap that is the new jeep is safer than the CJ. Hell the CJ is one of the reasons the Highway safety board tests roll overs. More soldiers were killed rolling them over than by bullets being fired at them while driving.
@@mizinoinovermyhead.7523Does it hurt when your panties bunch up like that?
CJ isn’t meant to be a daily genius. Weekend warrior, Sunday driver, cars and coffee, yes! And yes, people love to look at them and talk about them.
I’ve done the Rubicon in a stock open dif CJ5, off road manners were much better than presented here.
I pretty much could fix/repair most things in my old CJ with the 16-tool bag that I kept under the seat. Ditto for a 1968 Land Rover Defender (that one had a 13-tool bag).
Nowdays? Yeah, sure. I need a diagnostic computer with a program and a degree in Electronics Technology, and that is after I spend 20 minutes unscrewing engine plastic covers.
you a time traveller? there werent any Defenders in 1968. it would probably be a series 2 (possibly an early series 2a) which would be on leaf springs. the defender name didnt exist until around 1988 (although the model launched in 1984 or thereabouts) when the soon to be launched discovery came into being. they needed a wayu to distinguish the 'defender' from the Discovery, instead of calling them (at the time) 90 and 110. when the 90/110s came out (the first 'defender after the series 3) they changed from leaf springs to coil springs
This channel seems to love comparing apples to oranges! Modern cars lack the souls older cars always had.
I agree to an extent. What I hate about modern cars is that it's becoming harder and harder for a shade tree mechanic to work on them himself. Lots of proprietary software and tools needed to do ever-more basic jobs. On the other hand, I like safety features on modern cars. I had 1970 Volkswagen and there's absolutely no way I'd allow my child in that death trap.
CJ is a Real Jeep, and just a better Jeep. Simple and reliable. It can be completely torn down in half a day. The V8 is not bad either. My 73 and 75 Levi's are both 304's. The ride can be softened. Plus, You'll pick up a better class of women in one too..😊
You can take a water hose to the entire interior of the CJ. If you did that to the Wrangler, it would cause 10k in damage and that's only if it didn't short out and catch fire.
I had a 1975 CJ-5 for 30 years and look at it's size! Also,, the systems are so simple. Take a tool box and jack and you can fix on the go. I'd love my old CJ-5 back, but I have no desire to have anything newer than a CJ-7.
A fun comparison would be between that JK and a CJ that had JK money spent on it.
CJ7 didn’t come out until the 70’s, there was a CJ6 in the 50’s and 60’s that was the ancestor to the 2dr Wrangler Unlimited and CJ8 scrambler.
And then there's the rarest Jeep, the CJ-10...
People, like me in the 1970s, bought CJs for off road, farm and ranch use. People who buy Wranglers today buy them to appear to go off road, to the farm or to the ranch. 99% of them don't.
2 critical things missing in this evaluation. Here in British Columbia, width is important as our roads quickly grow in when unused. Our government also vandalises logging roads by having them cross ditched with anything from 2 feet to 6 foot ditches with berms under the cloak of "erosion control".
The width and wheelbase of the new Wrangler is just too wide and too long to do any serious backcountry exploring here. Lifting them is needed, but it is usually done to impress 14 year olds in the Walmart parking lot.
I'll take a CJ anytime over a new Wrangler. But I prefer my Suzuki over both.
Also, they could have picked a real man to demonstrate the comparison … this dude is a total wuss!
I was watching this video and reading through comments on the TV app, but your comment was so phenomenally stupid that I searched on my phone just to put you on blast.
Maybe take your boomer ass off-road sometime and see how many JKs are on the trail vs old fashioned Jeeps. You will find that most of us are actually out wheeling in our wranglers.
Despite the haters, the JK and JL kick a boot in the ass of every leaf spring Jeep. 100% better no contest.
Boy, you got that right. Like I said when they stopped making CJs that was the end of the real Jeep.
@@alhemshorn5207 BS. Todays are better.
I walk all over longer wheel base vehicles, newer jeeps included on tight trails in REAL off road situations in my ‘74. 304.
Also, you should have compared a CJ6 to the 4 door wrangler. Yes, its still 2 doors but a comparable wheelbase difference.
I believe it was inspector Harry Callahan who said “A man’s got to know his limitations”. Jeep was wrong to question him.
Old 4x4's need you to maintain momentum not just gun it through, I'd take that CJ over a plastic jeep any day.
Some of these facts are def not correct or comparable..AMC offered a V8 for one. The wheelbase of the that CJ5 is about 2/3 the wheelbase of that 4, door which significantly changed the ride disregarding some worn leaf springs.
Ok so what I learned is that if I want to have fun, keep my ‘76 CJ7. More smiles per mile.
As you are aware, the CJ 7 was longer than a CJ 5. ✔
And the CJ-8 was even longer than that. It was actually a good bit longer than the later LJ.
@@1guyin10 Referring to the cj5 &cj7. There was no cj8 at the time. No reason to reply, incorrectly, as the cj8 was not born yet.
@@GaryRichards-cb1fc Having a bad day? Okay if you want the same timeframe then it would be the CJ-6, which was the longer Jeep of that era.
@@GaryRichards-cb1fc You shouldn't be a jerk if you don't know what you are talking about. The CJ-8 was built alongside the CJ-7 from 1981 to 1986. The CJ-7 was only introduced in 1976 . The Scrambler came along as the CJ-7 based replacement in the lineup for the outgoing CJ-6, which had continued up until 1981.
@@1guyin10 Name calling? Speaks for itself. I believe in 1977, only 5 or 7. Name calling? Really? Find a life.
I started out with a 78 CJ5, eventually bought a 93 YJ, which I didn’t keep long & still own an 02 TJ. While I loved the old CJ, mostly because of the V8 engine, I absolutely love my TJ. The JK lost my interest pretty quickly for a myriad of reasons. One being that they offered a Wrangler in 2WD, that is sacrilegious at best. I admire the JL, it looks great & once again had a V8, but I have sticker shock every time I look at one. They have forgotten what gained Jeep its following. I’ll stick with the old TJ, it’s been a great vehicle & the 4.0 does exactly what it’s supposed to.
mine is a ww2 wiilys it was my gradpas he bought it in the 70s for his dad which was a ww2 vet
Why didn’t you keep your 93 YJ long? I have a 91 and it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned
SAME. TJ is going to stay in the family until I pass on.
You're comparing a cj 5 two door with a 4 door. Do the test with two 2-door jeeps set up similar, both rag tops, etc. Also, that Wrangler sure bounced around side to side. Top that, the CJ 5 will go places that Wrangler can't, stock. Nothing wrong with Wranglers, but don't compare a car with a work horse.
Who could possibly think that an "old Jeep" and a 'New Jeep" are the same. The size, the shape, the interior plastics, the build companies, all vastly different. I daily drove CJs for 30 years and now DD either my CJ8 or my JKU. That 61 is not a good representation of how CJs are as a whole. There is a smaller difference between an 07 JKU and a 18 JKU and then is between that 61 CJ5 and say an 86 CJ-7 with hardtop and doors.
A better "old vs new" comparison would be a 2 door JK to a late CJ-7. Show how both have 2 doors but 1 has power lock and windows, both have fold and tumble seats but one is bigger, both have room behind the seat but one is more, both have 6 cyl but one is injected, etc, etc, I can tell you that a late CJ with power steering is actually easier to drive. It requires LESS force to turn the wheel and press down the gas pedal. The JK does have better acceleration and braking. That would be a good comparison video.
true but they actually own and have access to that little yellow jeep and the green jeep. they cant buy everything
Proud owner of a 2012 2 door manual jk and a 1969 cj5 here
Not a complaint, but comparing the CJ's short wheelbase versus the 4door's is not really valid. Off-road performance and ride quality are vastly different.
The spare tire would have been mounted on the right 1/4 panel originally. The rear carrier was added by someone later.
I own a 66 cj5 with a dauntless V6. That V6 changes it quite a bit. It has highway capability (if you have the balls) and way more power than it needs.
Absolutely. Drove a 66 for years. That thing had so much low end torque you could damn near rip trees out of the ground with it.
I don't think the JL will be on the road as long as the old school Jeep.
Definitely will not. It's half plastic, including the engine. There will be CJs on the road long after the JL has been forgotten.
I think you've got that backwards the CJ went through the courses a whole lot better and with less wheel spin than the JK😂😂
Really it was the 3.8L pushrod V6 that followed the 4.0L straight six that people hated. The pentastar was seen as a major upgrade from that engine.
Downgrade lol, got it backwards. Yes I own both, 4.0 is better for the application
@@mblake0420 I think you misunderstood Cody -- he said the Pentastar 3.6l was an upgrade from the prior 3.8l V-6 engine, which was the 'minivan motor' and had reliability issues.
@@AndrewAMartin I have a 3.6 and are awesome engines except the first ones
@@AndrewAMartin still not right for application
To be fair. I have a 2009 Rubicon with the 3.8 and it’s been flawless.
When the peanut butter hits the fan, the CJ will still be working, the new French one not so much.
The beauty of the CJ-5 is in its vintage and no-nonsense workhorse simplicity. The new computer-managed concoction with all the electronic gadgetry has no place in a rugged off-road situation. And never mind the bills the "lucky" owner will have to pay in routine maintenance and even worse in repairs.
If I ran over a penny in my '75 CJ 5 I could tell you the date on that penny. It rode rough but was so much fun. I got t-boned on the driver's side when a Kenworth pulling twin belly dumps full of gravel ran a red light. Tough little Jeep kept me mostly intact.
I used to say that about my old CJ. I could roll over a dime and tell whether it was heads or tails.
the real test is roadside fixes. if you have a problem on the side of the road and or get stuck how much easier is it gonna get going without having to have it towed away.
May be a stiff ride in that CJ but it can get up those logs without much effort and no need for a computer to assist.
I will take the yellow old school keep
Why not compare 2 door manual to 2 door manual?
Loved the slomo recap of ride quality.
While you inspired me with your cheap Jeep challenge a few years ago to go out and purchase my first Jeep. Some of your new tests are just plain off base, if you are going to test that older Jeep against something newer, at least make it somewhat similar in amenities.
That CJ is just a more FUN vehicle. A pair of lockers and it's a perfect weekend toy... way more than a modern SxS.
Also good luck trying to put that 4 door on a narrow tight curvy trail . It would get destroyed by the cj in that situation. Yes they are old and rough but very easy to repair and aftermarket support means you can build a cj that would destroy that 4door for a fraction of the money. They both have their place but never bash the old girl ! With out it we wouldn't have these amazing vehicles.
Sadly, it looks like they are trying to get rid of the 2 door. So few options and trims, not even the Rubicon upgrade. Some of the differnces in this vid is that the new one has lockers, and the CJ has open diffs.
You forgot to mention you also have to remove the wiper arms to fold the JK wrangler
I wouldn't trade my CJ7 for my wife's Wrangler Unlimited....ever. Her Jeep sees the beach, I wouldn't do any tough off roading with it. My CJ goes everywhere without complaint.
Thanks, Tommy, Even the old CJ is a HUGE difference from the battlewagon of WW2.
it would have been nice to compare the old cj to a 2 door modern wrangler.
I would like to see how a new jeep could follow an old jeep going between 2 trees that are just 2' apart
Choosing the shortest wheel based jeep contributes to a harsh ride. CJ 7 or LJ would have been a better comparison
I'm on my 5th CJ5..had some newer ones.. ain't the same..built wild to mild..440,401,360,302, settled for the 360. That AMC motor is good enough for dang near any off roads y'all gonna do. The number 5 is completely stock 4 banger, only gonna upgrade the axles and a lift kit. Not going anywhere fast just gettin thru.😊
I had a 72 with the 304, sold it and later got a 67 with the 225 Dauntless with a warn overdrive and 4:88s . The 67 was a awesome machine. Got the gladiator with eco diesel now. The 67 was the most fun ever.
May I recommend y’all call up prp and get them to send you a set of seats for the cj? I put some in my scrambler and they are really good.
How about the JL? I love my Sarge Green, 4 Door, 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 2.0L, 8-speed automatic. It will tow my Toy Hauler or Bass Boat up a hill with ease.
Mine has hand crank windows & a 6-way manual divers seat, I will never have to worry about a electric motor going out, the only thing I miss is power door locks.
Great video ! its interesting to say the least as a non Jeep owner I should probably keep my mouth shut....I won't lol , but everyone forgets the intention of jeep, in regards to the build of the early models compared to today's Jeep's remember this was not your main mode of transport, this was your second or even third car behind the coupe or sports car, this was a work /chores vehicle a second/third car to have fun in or do manual labor and get around the property this wasn't the sit in traffic and commute everyday to the city, it was built be easy to fix and not a whole lot to go wrong or break on you when in use.
Farmers that I know never compared their old Jeep to their car but parked in with the tractors & used them as such
I'm from India and own a CJ 5 M38A1 circa 1963. Unfortunately, due to the lack of spares, I had to replace the engine and gearbox (Mahindra Turbo DI engine and NGT 4x4, 5 speed).
But the body, from grill to tailgate, is still original and rock solid.
I reworded 2:46 more than I want to admit 😂😂
Didnt activate the locking hubs on the cj for the trenches?
I have a 74 CJ 5 with a 4" Rubicon Express lift system, E lockered D 44 rear and E lockered D 44 front ( narrowed high pinion ford d 44 ) with 4.10s and 33" mud terrain tires. Built 401 amc V8 , T18 4 speed and Dana 20 T case. I've owned a built 89 wrangler and a nicely molded 2011 Rubicon. And hands down the 74 CJ5 is the best off road. Maybe it wouldn't have been if all were completely stock. But for the money invested the CJ 5 is easily most capable and by far cheapest to buy and upgrade . Plus the cool factor is also a plus . You don't see many classic built CJ5s today. And the built amc 401 is Fantastic as far as power and reliability.
Wow! I thought my lifted 86 Bronco ll was bumpy!! Didn't realize how little the CJ5 could articulate.
Great video, thank you!!
I owned a 2009 wrangler Sahara and it was the biggest POS , broke all the time, spent so much money on that thing. Very glad I switched to Toyota and never looked back lol
Anything post 2001 or so for jeep is a no-go. Maybe last 130-160k miles then fail. Most I've seen is 190k miles. Ones previous to that go 300k or more
As a Mechanic the new 3.6 keeps us in business lol. Good engine all you guys go buy one...I got tools to pay for and the front end is very reliable haha, please buy dodge, Ram,jeep products.
My 2009 Rubicon has been flawless for me. But it has since become my weekend fun car and my 4Runner is now my daily.
My 1972 CJ5 is still going strong as ever :)
I think if this video has taught us anything it's that whenever jeep makes a change, people lose their minds. YJ: "square headlights? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" TJ: "coil springs? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" JK: "Four doors? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" 2019 JL: "Four cylinder turbo? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" 2024 JL: "power seats? Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" 4XE: "A _hybrid?_ Absolutely not! It's not a real jeep!" Car guys hate progress.
Yes. Little by little it’s turning into a Compass.
Jeep brings out models other than Wranglers, and people lose their minds and say that those are not real Jeeps. As if the brand could survive selling just Wranglers... People are stupid, and the more stupid, the louder and more opinionated they are.
@@Offshore1977thanks for proving my point lol. "This highly customizable, body on frame, solid front and rear axle SUV has power seats now, it might as well be a crossover."
@@AndrewAMartinthat doesn't apply to just car people, either. 🤣 But yeah, ever since getting into car culture I've noticed how extremely conservative (not in a political sense) car guys can be. It seems like they hate _all_ change. Time marches on, new technologies are created, but if car guys had their way, we'd all be still driving cars designed and manufactured by technology created in the 60s lol.
@@backwoodstherapy oh I don’t lose my mind. I just don’t purchase it and keep my classic Jeep.
any video of a stock JK doing the Darien Gap? would still prefer the Cj5
I have one of each, a '08 JKUR in which I did a Hemi swap, and just got a '58 CJ5. That also has a 1962 Dodge 318 V8 (Poly 318, AKA semi-Hemi) swapped into it, but otherwise stock.
I can drive the JK 400 miles to Moab while pulling a trailer, spend a few days wheeling and drive back. Can't even imagine trying that in the CJ5. CJ is just for putting around town. But both are fun and love them equally.
Now you know why & what a CJ Jeep is made for
Tommy well done kase phenomenal job and Brendan. The three brilliant brothers.
…and the stalker who types with his left hand.
We have a 1962 CJ5. We bought it as a rolling chassis and had it rebuilt. My husband had it done as if it was 1962. :( I hate the drum brakes. I much prefer my 2015 JKU! But, the CJ is super cute! We just take it to Jeeps & Coffee events. Mine goes on the trail.
That cj is great!
A coupe more things: There was a 3.8 Liter V-6 after the famous 4 Liter Inline 6 before the Pentastar was used in the new Jeeps. There also was a CJ-8 with a longer wheelbase. And you need to fine tune your driving skills for the old one. The Driver is in charge! No electronically regulated override like in the new vehicles!
Should compare 2 door to 2 door & then 4 door to be a little more fair!!
New door's are on pins. No unbolting necessary just unhook the strap and lift off the doors
3:56 Just want to give a shout out to that camera guy in the background running in the rain on uneven terrain to get us a video.
I'll take the CJ any day over the Wrangler!!!
Same here but my better half would disagree. We’re a Jeep family with a 05 LJ for her, 83 CJ-8 I drive, granddaughter’s just got her first car, a 92 XJ and we have a 51 CJ3-A being restored in the garage. Only non jeeps are a 96 Chevy 1500 for hauling and a 88 Land Rover 110 for camping here in the Black Hills.
Ironically, the Pentastar feels like 70 hp.
You need to try out my favorite jeep. In 1988 I saw the most unique one I had ever seen. It had a v8 (which I learned later was a factory 304 A.M.C. motor.) And it was a 5 speed, 4 wheel drive. Later I learned it was a C.J.8 (A.K.A. jeep scrambler) It was an 1985, (in 1988) and the dealer wanted $5,000 for it. I was only 13, had job, nor any money. The .CJ.8's were only made from 1980 until Chrysler bought A.M.C. in 1987, and Chrysler ended the production in 1988. The last one rolled off the assembly line in January 1989. Now days you try to find one for sale, and a 4cylender on will cost you close to $18,000.
Pretty sweet, but 81 was the only year the Scrambler was offered with a 304.
@@jeepingeo And the 304 was never offered with a 5-speed.
Better? NO just more expensive. 😂
Many Imperials, Lincolns and Cadillacs had leafspring suspension in the rear, but they were vvvery comfortable! You would barely notice that log bridge in those cars. Of course, if you managed to drive through that bridge in them.
So I think it’s not because of leaf springs vs coil springs, it’s how the leaf springs were designed on CJs and Wranglers.
so the CJ (like the original MB, like I learned to drive on) allows for 2wd Lo -- tighter turning radius on slick snow or mud, & can use on pavement, as when manuevering a trailer -- or learning to drive Stick Shift !
Same in my 1995 Land Rover Disco 1 -- Lo Range Open Center Diff until it slips & need to lock up
I also not the new ones clearly have traction control going on
*note
the folding windshield dates from Wartime use -- to prevent glinting sunlight revealing your location, windshields were folded & wrapped in canvas
but after the Normandy invasion, the retreating Germans started stringing wire btwn trees, at throat-height --- so steel verticals were added to the front bumper !
( my Dad's on Profile Pic, did not have to worry about trees and wires -- Ex-North Africa, it has a big 2nd fuel tank under the passenger seat, with toggle switch for the single gas gauge & twist knob on dash to switch tank you are drawing from )
Great video! Loved it!
I had a 1978 cup then a 1998 wrangler loved them both
Also amc had a a v8 options
Had a tj never thought would got a lj unlimited Sahara manual
Why not compare the CJ with a newer 2 door? It would have been a fairer comparison when talking about cargo space behind the tailgate. In all other aspects, I think your comparison is fair. I don't know. I think I prefer the CJ with some mods such as a disc brake conversion, updated suspension components and some engine tweaks to increase HP.
fuel tank is under the driver to keep the vital areas close together
I have 2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler Unlimited aka LJ for Long Jeep with 4.0 L Inline 6
Seems like you need to compare a 1987 Wrangler with a 2024 2 door Wrangler and try to compare similar trims, like a base one to another base one or a high end one with a high end one or middle of the road. Make sure you compare the weight, safety, power and mileage as well.
That CJ appears to have aftermarket lift springs which are way too stiff for that vehicle. The factory springs in the Willys CJ’s were way softer and flexed a lot better.
Funny how the leaf springs hopped over the logs while the coils spun out.
Yes, coils are smoother but the leaf spings "bounced" over the logs with ease.
Fun fact! It's much cheaper and easier to replace leaf springs than all this coil over junk.
Old Jeep Looked like an animated toy car going up the course 😂
5:17 is no one going to mention the fact the air cleaner isn’t connected to the air intake on the carby? So it’s just sucking in dirt and dust!
Well they'd have to take it to a mechanic because none of these dudes can turn anything as complicated as a screwdriver.
Dude you are starting to fill out! Really looking forward to video. Thanks
Should’ve did a two door jk or Jl to make it fair
There was more then 2 models of cj there is at least 14 models of cj from its begging in ww2 to the end of the cj run
If I had choice of one or the other I'd pick the newer Jeep only because I could sell it and go buy 2 or 3 older Jeeps in excellent condition. Hands down !
The Cj7 has 2 extra feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.
New cars have programs old cars have souls
The new one for the road is good but too darn wide for trail off-road & is too heavy. I think I would pick a toyota tacoma ove the new Jeep because what was nice about the cj's is they were small & 5ft. wide. The only thing that really fits like the cj's is the Roxor.
One time I was following an old VW on a narrow dangerous road in a CJ 5 & at times that narrow VW looked to be more stable than my Jeep because it was low & narrow.
.'
Clint Eastwood's "Coogan's Bluff" Jeep CJ-6 Desert Drive Scene :)
Roman should pay for Tommy to see the chiropractor after this video...
Awesome video
They offered a 304 in the 70’s.
Yes, he mentioned the V8 but did not state the displacement.
@@anthonyc1883 he said in the 80’s. Watch again.
@@fritty9927when they became known for v8s. Wording matters
@@bldontmatter5319 touche. As a teenager in 1975 my dad took me to test drive a Blazer, Jeep, and Land Cruiser. He eliminated the Jeep because with that 304 he said I’d kill myself😄. I wanted the Cruiser but they wouldn’t budge on price so I ordered fairly stripped down Blazer. It turned out to be total crap😄.
Great video! When you had those stiff springs and short wheelbase, you’d drive differently, more steering, maybe slower pace than you showed. They do beat you up though, that I remember, no matter what. The trenches would’ve been easier with a little more steering input rather than straight through. The logs would be less jarring at slower speed and maybe a slight angle. Again, you’d learn to approach rough patches differently to save your kidneys!
great video but willis not willys long time viewer here
He said both. Acknowledged it's a Willys, but also that (mostly) everyone refers to them as a Willy's. Not sure what you're complaining about.
@@aaronw8606 John North Willys pronounced his surname Willis.
@@upscaleshack I'm gonna just refer you back to the first three words of my original comment.
Need more "buy or bust" vids🙌